Indian Shipbreaking Workers in Dire Conditions

The working and living conditions at the shipbreaking yards of Alang, India, remain alarmingly poor, argues a new study published in Indian Social Science journal, the Economic & Political Weekly.

The research was commissioned and financed by the National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) and was coordinated by Dr Geetanjoy Sahu from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

Official figures accessed by TISS report at least 470 fatal accidents in the yards since they were first set up in 1983, making shipbreaking one of the most dangerous occupations in India.

Indian human rights advocates referred to in the report estimate however that there is a far higher number of victims, especially because the long-term consequence of unsafe shipbreaking activities, including occupational diseases such as cancer, and resulting deaths are not taken into consideration by the authorities.

TISS’ findings are based on intensive field work in Alang from April 2013 to May 2014 including interviews with 300 shipbreaking workers as well as stakeholders from the industry, trade unions and authorities.

The study finds that the “costs to workers’ health and the environment are alarming” while the profit margins for both the yard owners and the contractors providing the labour force are extremely high.

Dr Sahu reports that the approximately 35,000 unorganised migrant workers at Alang continue to live in shanty dwellings without adequate facilities for drinking water, sanitation and electricity.

The report refers to the National Institute of Occupational Health, which had found out that 15 out of 94 examined workers showed signs of diseases caused by exposure to asbestos.

“It is scandalous that no shipbreaking company has been held responsible for the deaths and accidents at the yards”, says Patrizia Heidegger, Executive Director of the NGO Shipbreaking Platform. “Shipbreakers do get arrested and even charged for homicide, but the industry, in particular the Ship Recycling Industries Association (SRIA) is, as the report points out, well connected and has so far succeeded in avoiding being held liable for their negligence.”

The result: impunity from punishment.

Around 100 workers are treated every day at the local Red Cross hospital. They show a very high rate of injuries resulting from work at the yards, and a high prevalence of occupational diseases. According to the report, the Red Cross hospital is understaffed and lacks the necessary facilities to treat serious injuries where lives are at stake.

The research team also found out that workers are not provided with adequate safety training and protective equipment such as masks, gloves and boots.

Workers revealed that in most cases personal protective equipment was only distributed before audits and official visits, such as by the National Human Rights Commission.

In addition to serious health and safety risks, the researchers documented delays in the payments of wages, unauthorised deductions, unpaid leave and overtime payments not in line with legal requirements.

TISS also points out the absence of an active and strong trade union representing the interests of migrant workers.

“We share the conclusion of the report arguing that there cannot be any further delays in ensuring better working and living conditions”, comments Heidegger. “The situation is alarming and the report is a clear call to Indian authorities.”

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